ARC Raiders Riven Tides: Everything You Must Do Before the April 28 Update

The wait is almost over. On April 28, 2026, Embark Studios is set to drop Riven Tides, the final and most ambitious chapter of the Escalation roadmap. With a brand-new map, a terrifying new ARC boss, and a full reset of the Expedition Window, the landscape of the wasteland is about to change forever.

If you’ve been away from the game or just coasting through raids, it's time to gear up. Here is your essential checklist to ensure you’re ready for the Riven Tides launch.

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1. Final Call: Complete the High-Gain Antenna Project

The most urgent item on your list is the High-Gain Antenna Project. Embark has confirmed that this project will expire once the Riven Tides patch goes live.

Why it matters

Completing this project isn't just about lore; it unlocks exclusive rewards that are expected to enter "Legacy" status, meaning they may not be obtainable again for a long time.

The Reward

Finishers will secure unique cosmetics and a specialized tech upgrade that enhances long-range signal detection—a tool that will likely be vital for the new, larger map.

Pro-Tip

Focus your raids on the Buried City and Industrial Ruins. These zones have the highest drop rates for the rare circuitry required to finish the Antenna before the April 28 deadline.

2. Prepare for the New Map: The Coastal Shift

Rumors and teasers suggest the new map in Riven Tides will take Raiders to a coastal environment. This isn't just a visual change—it’s a tactical one.

Verticality and Open Space

Unlike the cramped corridors of the underground bunkers, a beach or port setting implies long sightlines.

The Loadout Meta

If you’ve been relying on close-range SMGs, it’s time to start practicing with the Short-Stroke Rifle or the Canto SMG (with a mid-range optic). You’ll need the range to pick off ARC machines before they pin you down on the sand.

The "Sea-Tier" Boss

Teasers have hinted at a massive new ARC threat. Ensure your Surge Coils are upgraded; environmental gadgets that can disable robotic limbs will be your best friend against a boss that likely features heavy armor plating.

3. Understanding the Expedition Window 3 Reset

With Riven Tides comes the opening of the third Expedition window. For new players, this can be confusing, but for veterans, it’s a strategic reset.

What Resets

Your current mission progress and seasonal rank will refresh.

What Stays

Your permanent unlocks, vaulted gear, and crafting recipes are safe.

Strategic Hoarding

Do not sit on your seasonal currency! Spend any remaining "Flashpoint" credits on the Nascosto or Scrappy Speckled cosmetic sets now. Once the window closes, those credits may lose their value or be converted at a poor rate.

4. Craft the "Flashpoint" Essentials

Don't walk into a new expansion with old gear. The Patch 1.24.0 update made crafting significantly easier with the new "Acquire Resources" button—use it.

The Dolabra Shotgun

This energy-based powerhouse is currently the best tool for dismantling the Assessor and Vaporizer drones introduced last month.

Buff Your Scrappy

Don't forget to feed your mechanical rooster! A well-fed Scrappy provides a significant buff to your stamina regeneration, which will be crucial for traversing the new terrain.

FAQ

When does the ARC Raiders Riven Tides update release?

The Riven Tides expansion is scheduled to launch on April 28, 2026. Maintenance usually begins in the early morning (UTC), with the patch becoming available shortly after for PC and consoles.

Will I lose my gear when Expedition Window 3 starts?

No. Your permanent unlocks, vaulted weapons, and stash items remain safe. The "reset" primarily affects seasonal mission progress and rank, allowing players to earn a fresh set of rewards through the new Expedition path.

What happens if I don’t finish the High-Gain Antenna Project?

Once the update goes live on April 28, the High-Gain Antenna Project will expire. Any unfinished progress will likely be lost, and the unique rewards associated with it may become "Legacy" items that are no longer obtainable.

Where is the best place to find rare circuitry for the Antenna?

The highest drop rates for the rare circuitry needed for the project are currently found in the Industrial Ruins and the Buried City. Look for ARC containers and downed "Assessor" drones in these high-threat zones.

Is there a new map coming in the April update?

Yes! Riven Tides introduces the first major map expansion since launch. Teasers confirm a coastal/beachfront environment that will feature significantly different traversal mechanics compared to the current urban and underground maps.

How do I feed Scrappy the Rooster?

Added in Patch 1.24.0, you can now feed Scrappy by interacting with him in your base using specific organic scraps found during raids. Feeding him provides a temporary stamina or speed buff for your next raid.

Conclusion: A New Era for Raiders

The Riven Tides update marks a turning point for ARC Raiders. Between the threat of a new boss and the mystery of the coastal map, the stakes have never been higher. You have less than two weeks to finish your projects, hoard your materials, and sharpen your aim.